Biographical Timeline

1942: Peter Semovskih was born in Dairen, China. Baptised in Church of Archangel Michael by Fr Innocent Patelim.

1944: Family moved to Harbin, Manchuria, due to Soviet bombings. Studied in musical academy, and took classes in mechanical drafting. Served at altar boy in St Nicholas Cathedral. Lived in parish-owned apartment due to parents' service in choir (father was head psalmist). Peter and his mother often accompanied Archim. Philaret on journeys.

1957: Family moved to Australia. Settled in Brisbane.

1964: Met and married Catherine.

1964 Dec 20: Bishop Philaret ordained Peter to the diaconate. He served at St Seraphim of Sarov Church, Brisbane.

1966: Metr. Philaret summoned Dcn Peter to New York to work in the Synod. He was ordained to the priesthood and had duties relating to the candle factory, financial obligations, donations, and Synod revenue, in addition to pastoral duties, office duties and being in charge of Synod affairs. Fr Peter had a son during his time in Synod.

1967: His assignment to Synod was not a good fit. Fr Peter was transferred by Metr Philaret to his summer residence in Mahopac, NY.

1967-71: Fr Peter studied at Holy Trinity Seminary.

1972: Abp Theodosius and Bp Constantine requested Fr Peter return to Australia. Fr Peter was amenable, and Metr Philaret gave his permission. He was transferred to St Seraphim of Sarov Church, Brisbane, due to the difficult situation there.

1979: Metr Philaret elevated him to Archpriest.

1986: The Synod awarded him the right to wear a jewelled pectoral cross.

2006: Mitred Archpriest Peter was suspended of all functions and removed from the rectorate of St Seraphim of Sarov due to his opposition to ROCORs reunification with the Moscow Patriarchate. He immediately created a schism, based in a chapel located in his house.

2013: Fr Peter's wife, Catherine, reposed. By October, Fr Peter had received monastic vows, receiving the name 'Philaret', and was consecrated to the episcopacy.